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Thursday, January 7, 2016

Pet Pointers: Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe this Winter

·Never let your dog off the leash in snow or ice.
Although it may seem like a fun option to let your pup frolic in the
snow, it can prove to be extremely
dangerous. Dogs tend to lose their sense of smell in extremely cold
weather and become lost. Believe it or not, winter has the highest rates
for lost dogs!

·Thoroughly wipe down your dog when he comes back into the house
after being in the snow. It is common for dogs to ingest salts for
melting ice as well
as anti-freeze, which can prove to be very toxic. Not only is ingesting
toxins a problem, but snow being left between your Dogs toes can cause
ice chunks to freeze on their fur, possibly causing your Dog to rip
their fur or pads.

·Use Dog-Friendly /Pet Safe Ice Melt whenever de-icing outdoors. Again, the toxins in most products are NOT safe for pets or humans to ingest.

·Similar to how you
should never leave your dog in the car during the summer, the same
goes for the winter; a car can act almost like a freezer in the winter,
trapping heat outside and causing your pet to freeze to death. Likewise,
a Shelter is always a necessity! Whether always an outdoor dog or just outside to play, make sure to have a shelter for them from the wind and snow.

·Consider getting your Pup a
seasonal jacket or sweater to help ensure they are both comfortable and fashionable as the temperatures drop.

·Fresh water is a must at all times, as your dog may be more likely to lick ice and eat snow if he/she is thirsty from lack of water. Similar to the above
point, it is common for dogs to ingest snow-melting-salts and antifreeze.